BEST supplements for arthritis: To help ease painful symptoms caused by the condition, experts hail one supplement in particular which is said to help reduce the amount of inflammation in the body
Arthritis is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. The condition can make muscles feel still and achy and could negatively impact one’s life. Supplements have been used for many years and could help treat a number of ailments including helping to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis thereby helping to reduce symptoms.
Curcumin is the vibrant, key chemical in turmeric. Turmeric has many scientifically proven health benefits, including the potential to prevent certain diseases. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and helps improve symptoms of arthritis.
Curcumin claims to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness which is related to rheumatoid arthritis.
It is suggested you should take 500mg twice a day or you could consume it as a tea by boiling two cups of water with one teaspoon of curcumin powder and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and you can add lemon, honey or milk.
It’s been called one of the best supplements to treat arthritis pain.
Turmeric itself isn’t what inhibits inflammation, but rather its compounds of curcumin which is the active chemical in turmeric. Research point to curcumin's ability to block certain enzymes and cytokines which lead to inflammation.
This sheds light on the possibility of curcumin as a complementary treatment for arthritis.
In one study, 45 people with arthritis were assigned curcumin supplements with the other two groups receiving a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called diclofenac, or a combination of both. The group that took 500 milligrams of curcumin only showed the most improvement.
Because turmeric in its natural form is considered safe, this supplement could be a good addition to your diet, noted the researchers.
Curcumin has benefits for inflammatory diseases, depression, and cancer. These conditions are common for people with RA.
In 2016, an industry-sponsored systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that 1,000 mg a day of curcumin reduced osteoarthritis pain and inflammation as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and ibuprofen.
Turmeric's curcumin compound is said to help reduce symptoms of arthritis (Image: Getty Images)
Another study suggests curcumin might help prevent bone breakdown in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Choose curcumin extract – whole turmeric is often contaminated with led, said the Arthritis Foundation.
The health site continued: “Take 500 mg capsules twice daily. Curcumin makes up only a small percentage of turmeric and can be hard to absorb. Be sure to check the standardized amount of curcumin when looking for a supplement, and choose brands that use phospholipids, antioxidants or nanoparticles for better absorption.”
"Being overweight or obese often makes osteoarthritis worse, as it places extra strain on some of your joints," explains the NHS.
Another effective way to ease osteoarthritis symptoms and lose weight is to engage in regular exercise. Although it may feel counterintuitive if you are experiencing joint pain, regular exercise builds up muscle and strengthens the joints, which usually helps to improve symptoms, notes the NHS.
"Exercise is also good for losing weight, improving your posture and relieving stress, all of which will ease symptoms," it adds.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect not just your joints but a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Your doctor knows best
Key Highlights
Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
Do see your doctor if you have persistent discomfort and swelling in your joints.
It is important to stay active and retain the quality of life that you best can with the given affliction.
You may have heard of people saying that they have Rheumatoid Arthritis or Rheumatic pain. For a non-medical person, it sounds a complex thing to have and not easily understood as to how it is any different from simple arthritis.
What is arthritis: Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. Arthritis brings along joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age.
You need not right away learn about all these types of arthritis but their names are listed below:
Ankylosing spondylitis
Gout
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Septic arthritis
Thumb arthritis
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition wherein a person's own immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
Uric acid crystals, which form when there's too much uric acid in your blood, can cause gout. Infections or underlying diseases, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis.
Rheumatism or Rheumatic syndrome can progress into a debilitating condition.
Photo Credit: iStock Images
Rheumatic Arthritis:
If one has Rheumatic arthritis or Rheumatism, these are the symptoms:
Pain or discomfort, usually perceived in the vicinity of one or more joints (including the spine);
Pain on motion of the affected area(s);
Soreness (to the touch) of the affected region(s);
Stiffness of the affected part(s), especially after a period of immobility;
Symptomatic improvement after mild exercise, but worsening after vigorous exercise;
Symptomatic worsening in response to climatic factors, especially falling barometric pressure and rising humidity; and
Symptomatic improvement in response to warming the affected area(s).
Most Rheumatic pain syndromes will at least have the first four symptoms, according to the Mayo clinic website.
These factors enhance your chances of developing arthritis:
Family history of the disorder.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are mostly associated with advancing age.
Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, men more prone to developing gout arthritis.
Previous joint injury.
Obesity. Excess weight puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine.
Retain your mobility, see a doctor regularly: You must see a doctor as soon as you start developing these aches and pains in the joint. Not all types of arthritis are treated in one blanket formula manner. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis and doctors focus on trying to reduce symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. If your doctor is monitoring your symptoms and they do develop into RA, you'll be able to start treatment as soon as the diagnosis is made. And early treatment is really important in order to slow or prevent the progression of the disease.
Doctors advise patients of RA to have the following:
Regular exercise
Stress management techniques
Friends and support groups familiar with the challenges of both conditions
People with all types of arthritis are at high risk of depression and anxiety. So, all the above factors are woven around that thought that with a fitter body and mind and positive support system, their quality of life will stay high.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
ARTHRITIS can begin at any age, but it may be hard to determine whether or not it's time to see the GP about your body aches. What are the three factors that point towards the painful condition? And what can be done about them?
The earlier an arthritis diagnosis is made, the sooner the right type of treatment can begin. This could help stop further, more damaging, aches and pains down the line - if you fulfil the following criteria. Versus Arthritis advises people to take notice when painful symptoms emerge. If the pain is present after exercise or activity, it's possible you could have overdone it.
However, if the pain doesn't ease within a few days, this could be the first clue that it might be arthritis.
It's helpful if you note down how and when the pain started, and whether the joint has become swollen - this is the second factor to consider.
Swollen joints are a key element of arthritis; if the joint becomes red and warm, it could be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis - an inflammatory autoimmune disease.
The third and final factor to consider is the effects the painful joint has on your daily life.
Arthritis: Is it pain from overuse or is it arthritis? (Image: Getty)
Does the pain prevent you from doing everyday tasks? Combining all these factors can help determine whether to go to the doctor or not.
To summarise, go to the doctor if:
The pain lasts longer than a few days
The joint is swollen
It's affecting everyday life
Versus Arthritis added: "If you have stiffness that you can't explain, and that doesn't go away, you should see your doctor."
The charity recommends keeping a symptoms diary to make it easier to tell your GP all that you've experienced.
Treatments
Treatment for arthritis might include medication, such as painkillers. In addition, exercise is highly recommended, although it may feel uneasy in the moment.
Exercising has numerous benefits such as:
Stronger muscles to better support the joint
Supple joints (i.e. less stiff)
Maintain range of movement
Improve overall health and fitness
Help to maintain a healthy weight
Release of endorphins - the body's natural painkillers
Good sleep
Low-impact exercise is usually best, such as cycling, brisk walking, yoga, T'ai Chi, pilates and swimming.
From March 29 in the UK, open-air swimming will open once more as Covid restrictions relax a little bit.
Versus Arthritis noted that "some discomfort and pain" might arise during exercise. However, this feeling should calm down a few minutes after finishing the activity.
In the long term, "exercise will help reduce pain and can help you manage your arthritis better".
Arthritis
The main types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Rheumatoid arthritis
Spondyloarthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
The sooner the notion of arthritis is raised to your GP, the quicker an appropriate diagnosis can be made.
Following on from this, a tailored treatment plan can be implemented, which may also include dietary changes.
If this is the case for you, your GP might refer you to a dietician.
Exercising can help relieve arthritis pain by strengthening muscles that support joints, and increasing blood flow to improve mobility and decrease joint stiffness. While exercise is one of the best options to manage pain and other symptoms of arthritis, certain exercises can cause increased inflammation and irritation when the joints are strained.
The neck, or cervical spine, is made up of seven different bones called vertebrae. Cervical spondylosis, or neck arthritis, can occur over time from aging or injury, causing cartilage breakdown between the vertebrae. The resulting pain and stiffness of the neck is common as the vertebrae are unable to glide smoothly due to the cartilage degeneration.
Symptoms can increase by looking up or down or by holding the head in the same position for extended periods of time, and may include grinding or popping in the neck, muscle spasms, and in severe cases, cervical radiculopathy. Any exercise that places increased strain on the neck and surrounding muscles can increase pain and other symptoms of neck arthritis and is best avoided.
Sit-ups
Sit-ups help strengthen the rectus abdominis, the outermost and visible layer of the abdominal muscles. To perform a sit-up, you will lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. You can place your hands either across your chest or positioned behind your head to help you lift your head as you sit up from a lying position. You will bring your spine into flexion, or forward bending, as your head, shoulder blades, and low back will lift up from the floor.
Crunches are performed similarly to sit-ups, but instead of bringing your body all the way up to a seated position, you will only “crunch” your body halfway through the range of motion by bending your body forward and contracting your abdominal muscles. Your shoulder blades will lift up from the floor, but your low back will remain in contact with the ground.
Both sit-ups and crunches can be problematic for people with neck arthritis because each exercise can put excess strain on the neck. Positioning the hands behind the head can strain the neck into forward bending as it is common to use the arms to pull the head and neck forward to assist with the execution of both sit-ups and crunches, especially when your abdominal muscles lack enough strength to perform the movements properly.
While positioning the arms across the chest can help avoid pulling on the neck from the arms, performing sit-ups or crunches with the arms across the chest can also strain the neck as the neck flexor muscles have to contract extra hard to be able to lift the head off the floor to perform the exercises.
Exercise Alternative: Reverse Crunch
An alternative exercise to activate the rectus abdominis muscle without placing extra strain on the neck is a reverse crunch. A reverse crunch is performed in the same position as a sit-up or crunch by lying flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. You can place a pillow under your head to support your neck.
Rather than bending forward to bring your body closer to your legs, you will contract your abdominal muscles to lift your feet off the floor and bring your knees closer to your chest. Your head, neck, shoulder blades, and back will stay in contact with the ground, but your hips will slightly lift off the ground as your knees come closer to your chest.
A reverse crunch accomplishes the same motion of spinal flexion, or forward bending, and activation of the rectus abdominis muscles, but occurs from the bottom up rather than from the top down, avoiding strain on the neck.
Military Press
The military press, or overhead press, involves pushing a weighted barbell overhead from shoulder height. This exercise can be performed either standing or seated, and is often performed in front of a squat rack for ease of setup, to position the barbell at shoulder height. Alternatively, a pair of dumbbells can be used for each hand instead of a barbell.
Overhead pressing movements can be problematic for people with neck arthritis because extension of the head backward is often needed in order to clear the weight past the shoulders and up overhead. Without moving the head and neck back, your face or chin will hit the weight with movement of the barbell straight up.
Whether using a barbell or dumbbells, the added load of pushing weight above the head also places extra strain on the neck and surrounding muscles, especially the upper trapezius, as the muscles try to stabilize the neck under increased pressure demands.
Often people who experience neck pain lack strength and stability in their periscapular muscles, the muscles around your shoulder blades that help maintain good postural alignment and stabilize the neck, upper back (thoracic spine), and shoulder blades (scapulae).
Good periscapular strength is needed for shoulder and neck stability with overhead lifting, and without it, the upper trapezius, the muscle responsible for shrugging the shoulders up, often overcompensates for the weaker muscles. Tight upper trapezius muscles can pull on the neck and cause further complications such as increased pain, tightness, and decreased joint mobility of the cervical spine.
Exercise Alternative: Front Shoulder Raise
While the military press requires use of several muscle groups surrounding the neck, shoulders, and shoulder blades, the main target of overhead pressing is strengthening the deltoids, specifically the anterior or front portion of the muscle. An alternative exercise to strengthen the shoulders and increase activation of the anterior deltoid muscle that decreases strain on the neck is the front shoulder raise.
Holding a pair of light dumbbells at your sides with your palms facing toward the sides of your body, squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift your arms straight out in front of you. Bring the dumbbells up to shoulder height, hold for one second, then slowly lower them back to the starting position. Your elbows should stay extended the entire time while performing this exercise.
Bridges
Glute bridges are an excellent exercise to strengthen the gluteus maximus, a crucial hip muscle that provides strength and power to the lower body and helps with balance and stability of the hips. A glute bridge is performed lying down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. From this position, you will keep your back straight and use your glute muscles to push your hips up toward the ceiling, creating a “bridge” with your body.
While glute bridges are excellent for strengthening the glutes, they can place increased strain on your neck into forward bending as you lift your hips up, especially if performed incorrectly by overarching the low back.
Exercise Alternative: Prone Hip Extension
An alternative exercise to activate the glute muscles that places less strain on the neck is prone hip extension. To perform this exercise, you will lie in the prone position, or flat on your stomach. From here, you will squeeze your glute muscles, tighten your quadriceps in the front of your thigh to keep your knee locked out straight, and lift one leg up toward the ceiling. Hold your leg at the top position for one second, then lower your leg slowly.
Lat Pull-Downs
Lat pull-downs are one of the main exercises to strengthen the latissimus dorsi muscle, the largest muscle of the back that extends across the shoulders behind the body. Most gyms have a traditional lat pull-down setup that involves a seat underneath a bar attached to a cable column. While sitting down and reaching overhead to grab the bar, you will pull the bar down, drawing your shoulder blades together and elbows toward the sides of your body.
Like the military press, lat pull-downs can be problematic for people with neck arthritis because you need to move your head and neck backward into extension to allow a path for the bar to travel up and down in front of your body.
Lat pull-downs should also never be performed behind the head, as this position not only places increased strain on the neck into increased flexion but additional strain on the shoulder joints and underlying network of nerves called the brachial plexus. This position has a mechanical disadvantage that does not allow the muscles of the shoulder to activate properly, and does not improve activation of the latissimus dorsi any more than other lat pull-down variations.
With increased time sitting at computers, desks, televisions, while driving, and while using cellphones and other electronic devices, many people already have a forward head posture, which causes the normal curvature of the cervical spine to flatten as the head is pushed forward. This posture weakens the muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulder blades that help maintain upright posture and provide stability, so any exercise that increases this positioning of the neck only causes more harm.
Exercise Alternative: Lat Pull-Downs with Bands or Cables
To avoid straining your neck with a lat pull-down, this exercise can be performed with a resistance band anchored at a high point or with individual cable column attachments held in each hand. By using a band or individual cables rather than pulling a straight bar down, you can achieve the same movement and activation of the latissimus dorsi muscle without having to move the neck forward or backward to accommodate room for the path of a moving bar.
A Word from Verywell
Stretching the muscles of the neck and performing strengthening exercises to provide support and stability can help relieve arthritis pain. Not all exercises are created equal, though, and some can actually cause more harm than good due to the increased strain they place on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. If you continue to experience ongoing pain from neck arthritis or if it gets worse with certain exercises, a physical therapist can help correct your posture and form with specific exercises and guide you as to what exercises should be avoided to prevent increased symptoms.
Dear Doctor: I am 67 years old, with arthritis in my hands and feet. My daughter recently had a fall, and X-rays showed signs of arthritis in her foot. She’s only 34. What are the most important things she can do to keep it from progressing, or at least slow it down?
Dear Reader: When we talk about arthritis, we’re referring to a range of conditions that result in pain, stiffness and swelling that affects the joints, most often in the hands, feet, hips and knees. Although rare, the inflammation from certain types of arthritis can affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, heart, eyes and lungs. Arthritis occurs in people of both sexes, and of all ages, races and body types. It is estimated that up to one-fourth of Americans are living with some type of arthritis, which makes it one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is caused by wear and tear of the joints. The latter is an autoimmune disease in which the person’s own immune system attacks and damages the connective tissues. Both result in similar symptoms, which include stiffness in the morning and after inactivity, pain while walking, localized joint pain and swelling, tenderness or warmth within the joints.
There are several things your daughter can do to manage the progression of arthritis. (And these can benefit you, as well.) One is to maintain a healthy weight, which lessens the daily toll on the joints in the feet, hips and knees. A healthful diet, with an emphasis on lean proteins and a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, is important. So is minimizing foods known to kick up inflammation, which includes refined starches, added sugars, red meat and saturated fats and trans-fats.
It may seem counterintuitive, but staying active lessens arthritis pain, keeps joints moving and increases range of motion. Go for joint-friendly exercises that are enjoyable enough to do regularly. These include low-impact options such as walking, cycling, tai chi, yoga, Pilates, swimming and water aerobics. Strength training, which helps to build up the muscles that support your joints, can also be very helpful. However, it’s best for this to be done under supervision, at least in the beginning.
As when adding any new exercise to your daily routine, it’s a good idea to first check in with your health care provider. Which leads us to a final bit of advice: If your budget and health insurance allow, we think it would be wise for your daughter to have at least one visit with a rheumatologist. They can assess her condition, provide her with a baseline from which to evaluate the progression of her arthritis and help educate her on what to expect in the future. If she’s experiencing pain, they can help her explore a range of options to deal with it. The more she knows about arthritis in general — and her condition in particular — the more active she can be in participating in her own care.
Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health. Elizabeth Ko, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health.
WHY? If you have arthritis, participating in joint-friendly physical activity can improve your pain, function, mood, and quality of life.
Joint-friendly physical activities are low-impact, which means they put less stress on the body, reducing the risk of injury. Examples of joint-friendly activities include walking, cycling and swimming. Being physically active can also delay the onset of arthritis-related disability and help people with arthritis manage other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
HOW? Stay as active as your health allows and change your activity level depending on your symptoms of arthritis. Some physical activity is better than none at all. Learn how you can safely exercise and enjoy the benefits of increased physical activity with these S.M.A.R.T. tips.
▪ Start low, go slow. ▪ Modify activity when arthritic symptoms increase; try to stay active. ▪ Activities should be “joint-friendly”. ▪ Recognise safe places and ways to be active. ▪ Talk to a health professional.
Start low, and go slow When starting or increasing physical activity, start slow and pay attention to how your body tolerates it. People with arthritis may take more time for their body to adjust to a new level of activity. If you are not active, start with a short period of activity, for example, 3 to 5 minutes two times a day. Increase activity a little at a time (such as 10 minutes at a time) and allow enough time for your body to adjust to the new level before increasing your time level.
Modify activity when arthritis symptoms increase; try to stay active Arthritic symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and fatigue, may come and go and you may have good days and bad days. Try to modify your activity to stay as active as possible without worsening your symptoms.
Activities should be “joint-friendly” Choose activities that are easy on the joints such as walking, cycling, water aerobics, or dancing. These activities have a low-risk injury and do not twist or “pound” the joints too much.
Recognise safe places and ways to be active Safety is important when beginning and maintaining an activity plan. If you are currently inactive or you are not sure how to start your own physical activity programme, an exercise class may be a good option. If you plan and direct your own activity, find safe places to be active. For example, walk in an area where the sidewalks or pathways are level and obstruction free, are well-lit, and are away from heavy traffic.
Talk to a physiotherapist They can answer your questions about how much and what type of activity are more appropriate to match your abilities and health goals.
WHAT? Low-impact aerobic exercises do not put stress on the joints. These include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes, and dancing.
For major health benefits, do at least: ▪ 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling at a speed lower than 10 miles per hour, or ▪ 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling at 10 mph or faster, each week. Another option is to do a combination of both. A rule of thumb is that 1 minute vigorous-intensity activity is about the same as 2 minutes of moderate-intensity activity.
In addition to aerobic activity, you should also do muscle-strengthening activities (include lifting weights, resistance bands or yoga) that involve all major muscle groups two or more days a week, flexibility exercises (such as stretching and yoga) and balance exercises (such as walking backwards, standing on one foot or tai chi).
It’s normal to have some pain, stiffness, and swelling after starting a new physical activity programme. It may take 6 to 8 weeks for your joints to get used to your new level of activity, but sticking to your activity programme will result in long-term pain relief.
Here are some tips to help you manage pain during and after physical activity so you can keep exercising: ▪ Until your pain improves, modify your physical activity programme by exercising less frequently (fewer days per week) or for shorter periods of time (less time each session). ▪ Try a different type of exercise that puts less pressure on the joints – for example, switch from walking to water aerobics. ▪ Exercise at a comfortable pace – you should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising. ▪ Make sure you have good fitting, comfortable shoes.
Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet. As arthritis progresses, foot deformity and reduced sensation in the foot can develop. This can make it difficult to wear normal socks without pain or discomfort.
Arthritis socks can help keep your feet warm and comfortable without causing additional problems. Moreover, wearing socks specifically designed for feet affected by arthritis, like compression socks, can also offer a preventative approach to long-term side effects of arthritis, including limited mobility, difficulty walking, and reduced overall quality of life.
There are many different options for socks that can assist a person with arthritis. Here’s a look at the top types, plus options in each category.
Compression Socks
People with arthritis suffer from painful joints that swell, which leads to discomfort. Compression socks help reduce swelling by directing blood flow back upwards to the heart. The consistent pressure applied by the sock continues this process as long as they are worn.
Dr. Scholl's Compression Socks
These compression socks feature arch support that reduces fatigue in the feet and legs. Dr. Scholl's Compression Socks also have an extra cushion in the heel and toe, and come in a variety of colours and styles. They have options that go to the ankle or up to the knee, depending on what you need.
Sockwell Compression Socks
Sockwell Compression Socks are made with merino wool-based yarn, meaning they’re always soft and warm. These also come in fun patterns, styles, and colours so you can show off your personality while warding off your foot pain.
Doctor Comfort Compression Socks
These are made of nylon and spandex rather than cotton or wool, and some people find these socks to be more comfortable because they’re not too tight or too loose. The graduated compression on Doctor Comfort Compression Socks boosts circulation throughout the foot.
Zipper Compression Socks
Zipper compression socks have a zipper attached that may make it easier for some people to put on and take off. They come in a range of colours.
Padded Socks
Padded socks are a smart option for people with arthritis because they offer padding between the feet and floor. If your feet hurt when you walk, padded socks offer an extra layer while preventing bruising and abrasions that may occur with thin, regular socks.
Thorlos Padded Socks
Thorlos Padded Socks are made from acrylic yarn that are soft, stretchy, and warm. There’s a variety of options for sock height, including no-show, low-cut, ankle, crew, and over-calf. There are also socks with features like moisture-wicking, which keeps you dry while exercising.
Orthofeet Padded Sole Socks
Orthofeet Padded Sole Socks are cushioned and extremely comfortable. They come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. Orthofeet Padded Sole Socks also feature a seam-free design and are non-constrictive, which boosts all-day comfort.
Wearever Gel-Lined Padded Socks
Wearever Gel-Lined Padded Socks are made with gel. In addition to boosting comfort through padding, the gel itself is infused with lavender and vitamin E. This means that the socks moisturize your feet and cushion them at the same time, which is great for dry skin.
Heated Socks
Arthritis responds well to heat treatment. Specifically, local heat application can reduce pain while improving mobility. This is especially important for people who have arthritis and live in cold environments since the heat from the socks can reduce the impact of climate on arthritis.
Zacro Heated Socks
Zacro Heated Socks are made with a rechargeable battery that lasts for 19 hours. These socks offer even heat distribution and an opportunity to adjust the heat, so you can choose the temperature that best suits your needs on a daily basis.
NY Golden Fashion Thermal Heated Socks
These socks are made with high-impact acrylic yarn, which creates pockets of warmth that boost circulation across the feet. NY Golden Fashion Thermal Heated Socks are made from this material because it’s meant to be softer and warmer than wool, without the itch.
Sock Aids
Sock aids are tools that assist people with limited mobility with putting on their own socks. Anyone who has difficulty bending over due to arthritis or recent surgery can use sock aids.
Relaxus Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid
The Relaxus Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid is designed to make it easy to pull on all kinds of socks, including thin pantyhose, thick wool socks, and everything in between. This is achieved through an easy glide nylon inner layer and a three finger-grip strap, which makes it easy to pull on any kind of sock.
DMI Deluxe Sock Aid
DMI Deluxe Sock Aid makes it easy to pull on socks from a seated position despite limited mobility. The terry cloth cover prevents slipping and ensures that socks can be pulled on safely. This sock aid also comes in black, and is easy to clean, so you can put it in the washing machine.
RMS Compression Stocking or Sock Aid for Removing Socks
It’s important to have a sock aid that can help with applying socks and taking them off. RMS Compression Stocking or Sock Aid for Removing Socks is a simple device that offers slip resistance while removing your socks in a safe, effective manner. Another benefit of this sock aid is that it’s easy to carry and travel with.
Jobst Compression Stocking Donner And Application Aid
Jobst Compression Stocking Donner And Application Aid works with up to 18’’ calf size and has easy-grip foam handles. This stocking donner is also lightweight and easy to use, so you’ll never have to worry about getting socks on and off in a flash.
ARTHRITIS isn't a rite of passage into older age. However, there are certain circumstances that increase the likelihood of developing the disease, especially osteoarthritis - the most common form of the condition
Osteoarthritis damages the cartilage coating that protects bones in a joint; the disease causes the usually smooth cushion to thin out and to roughen. As a consequence, pain can be felt in the joint. The charity Versus Arthritis have identified six risk factors for developing osteoarthritis.
Age
Firstly, the condition usually starts from the late 40s onwards, which can be attributed to the following reasons:
Weakening muscles
Weight gain
Reduced healing capacity
Sex
Secondly, a person's sex tends to play a role, as osteoarthritis is more common and severe in females.
Weight
Thirdly, obesity can put extra pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the knee and hip, which are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis.
Injury
Fourthly, a major injury or operation on a joint can increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis.
"Very hard, repetitive activity or physically demanding jobs can increase your risk," Versus Arthritis warned.
Joint abnormalities
Another risk factor is developing joint abnormalities in childhood, which can lead to earlier and more severe osteoarthritis.
Genes
The final risk factor for the disease is whether you've inherited faulty genes. Osteoarthritis has been linked to a mutated gene responsible for collagen production. This means if osteoarthritis runs in your family, you're at heightened risk of developing the condition yourself.
Arthritis: Are you at risk of the disease? (Image: Getty)
When osteoarthritis attacks the smooth cartilage, making it become thin and rough, other changes can happen in the joint too.
There may be more fluid in the joint area, causing the joint to swell, and tissue surrounding the joint may stretch so much that the joint become less stable.
In response to the thinning cartilage, extra pieces of bone – known as osteophytes – might begin to grow.
These bony growths can restrict movement in the joint and rub against other tissue.
How a healthy joint looks (Image: Versus Arthrtitis)
When this occurs in the fingers, for example, there may be visible knobbly swellings along the finger joints.
Swollen joints may make a grating or cracking sounds when moved, known as crepitus.
The degree of damage done in the joints doesn't predict how much pain someone will suffer from the condition.
Some people may have extensive damage in their joints but have relatively few symptoms.
A joint affected by osteoarthritis (Image: Versus Arthrtitis)
For others less fortunate, even a small amount of damage in the joints can lead to lots of painful symptoms and mobility issues.
Symptoms of the condition include:
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Joint swelling
Mobility issues
There's no blood test to diagnose arthritis, so a GP will rely on the symptoms you report and a physical examination.
The physical examination will check for joint tenderness, grating of the joints, swelling, excess fluid, restricted movement and joint instability.
TAUNTON — Dr. Vanessa Lund, a Morton Hospital-affiliated orthopaedic surgeon specializing in surgery of the hand and upper extremities answers common questions about arthritis.
Q: What is arthritis?
A: Arthritis is the wearing away of the smooth cartilage present in joints. When the cartilage becomes worn out, the underlying bones can begin to rub directly on each other, which can cause pain, stiffness, and deformity.
Q: What parts of the hand can arthritis affect?
A: Any joint of the hand can develop arthritis, but the most common location is the knuckle closest to the fingertip, called the distal interphalangeal joint or DIP. This joint can become lumpy and sore due to arthritis. The second most common location for arthritis in the hands is at the base of the thumb near the wrist, called the basal joint.
Q: What are the most common symptoms of arthritis of the hand?
A: Pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity of the hand - like lumps on joints - are the most common symptoms of arthritis.
Q: What causes arthritis of the hand?
A: Hand arthritis is largely genetic, so many people inherit it from their parents. Sometimes major injuries to the bones or joints like fractures and dislocations can cause arthritis years later - this is called post-traumatic arthritis. There are other types of arthritis which can be due to certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Infections in the hand can cause arthritis as well.
Q: Is there anything that can be done to help prevent hand arthritis?
A: Avoiding smoking is one of the best things you can do to keep your hands healthy, and the rest of your body as well. Smoking can lead to inflammation throughout the body and slows the healing of injuries. There is also evidence that it can worsen arthritis. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can also help minimize the risk of arthritis, since some arthritis in the hand is associated with being overweight. Avoiding major injuries to the hands can help prevent arthritis as well. However, since much arthritis in the hands is genetic, some people will get it no matter what.
Q: At what point should you see a specialist regarding the condition?
A: It is a good idea to see a hand specialist if you have hand arthritis that causes you pain or difficulty performing your daily activities. There are many other hand conditions that can cause hand pain, so if you have pain that bothers you it is a good idea to visit a hand specialist to see whether the pain is caused by arthritis or something else, and what can be done about it.
Q: What are the most common treatment options for arthritis of the hand?
A: Hand arthritis should be treated if it causes pain or limitations. Most commonly, hand arthritis can be treated with certain splints, medications, ice, and modifying activities to cause less discomfort. Some patients with very bothersome arthritis may benefit from steroid injections which can decrease the inflammation in the joint. If none of these things help, there are surgical options for patients with severe pain and limitations that can work very well.
Dr. Vanessa Lund is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in surgery of the hand and upper extremities. She is affiliated with Morton Hospital and Steward Health Care Network and practices in Raynham. For more information on Dr. Lund, visit providers.steward.org.
Arthritis of the fingers can be quite uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. These symptoms make hand motions like grasping and pinching difficult, which restricts a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two types of arthritis that most commonly affect the finger joints. Depending on which type of arthritis affects your finger joints, you may experience additional symptoms.
Thankfully, numerous remedies can help alleviate the discomfort from arthritis of the fingers, from hand exercises to help strengthen your fingers to over-the-counter and prescription pain medications and surgical treatments.
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Symptoms
With arthritis, the fingers can become swollen due to the inflamed synovial membrane. The three most common sites where osteoarthritis happens in the hand include:
The trapeziometacarpal or basilar joint: The base of the thumb
The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint: The joint closest to the fingertip
The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint: The middle joint of a finger
Symptoms caused by arthritis of the fingers include:
Joint pain
Swelling
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Tenderness
OA sometimes causes Heberden’s nodes, bony nodules at the end joint of the finger, and Bouchard’s nodes, bony nodules at the middle joint of the finger.
People with RA can also experience warmth and redness in the hands in addition to the symptoms listed above. RA also often affects both hands and is symmetric in nature, while OA typically affects the dominant hand only and is asymmetric in regards to joints affected, even if it is in both hands. Those with RA tend to have prolonged periods of morning stiffness compared with people with OA.
Exercises
The muscles supporting the joint of your hand can be strengthened, and hand exercises can help with that. Exercise increases blood flow to cartilage, bringing it the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and prevent further breakdown. Also, the stronger your muscles are, the more weight they can handle. The bones in your joints carry less weight, as a result, and your damaged cartilage is better protected.
The following exercises are easy to perform and can help with your arthritis pain.
Make a fist: Start with your fingers straight and then slowly bend your hand into a fist. Make sure your thumb is on the outside of your hand. Don’t squeeze too tightly, then straighten again.
Finger bends: Stretch your hand in front of you, palm up. Then take each finger and move it very slowly to the centre of your palm. Hold it, then straighten your hand.
Thumb bends: Bend your thumb toward your palm. Go as far as you can, hold, and then start again.
Make a C or an O: Move your fingers like you’re going to grab a little ball, and try to form a shape of a C or an O. Go as far as you can. Straighten your fingers and repeat.
Thumbs up: Have your hand in a loose fist with the pinky side of your hand on a table. Then point your thumb to make the thumbs up sign, put it down, and repeat.
Finger lifts: With your hand laying on a flat surface, lift each finger one by one. Repeat the sequence for both hands.
Wrist bends: Hold your left or right arm out with the palm facing down. Then take the other hand and gently press your whole hand down toward the floor.
Easy squeezes: Exercises such as squeezing a rubber ball, spreading the fingers widely, and making a fist have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Do these quick stretches throughout the day to build up the strength in your hands. Be mindful not to stretch your hand too far, and consult with your doctor before starting these exercises to make sure they are appropriate for you. A physical or occupational therapist can help you develop a tailored hand exercise plan that works best for you.
Home Remedies
Besides exercises, you can also use a variety of oral and topical over-the-counter (OTC) medications to cope with pain from arthritis of the fingers.
Oral Anti-Inflammatory
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended to treat arthritis symptoms because of their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities. NSAIDs can't slow the progression of arthritis, but it can help treat pain and inflammation. You can purchase a number of NSAIDs over the counter, but some are only available as prescriptions.
Most NSAIDs work by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, enzymes that play a crucial role in the production of prostaglandins, which promote pain and inflammation. When fewer prostaglandins are present, less inflammation, pain, and swelling are experienced.
OTC NSAIDs commonly used to treat arthritis pain include:
Aspirin
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Supplements
Finger pain and general discomfort are due to inflammation, and research has identified EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) as helpful in reducing inflammation levels. This, in turn, can reduce swelling and the discomfort associated with arthritis of the fingers. EPA and DHA are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are found in fish and aid the body in critical development and functional needs.
Another supplement that can potentially help with arthritis pain is ginger. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of supplementing ginger for RA symptoms, disease activity and gene expression were measured in 70 participants. The study found that ginger supplementation could improve RA symptoms.
Heat/Cold Treatment
Hot and cold therapy can also help to alleviate discomfort. Heat therapy can aid in relaxing discomfort from muscle tension and reduce pain sensitivity, whereas cold therapy can address inflammation and swelling.
For heat, soak in a warm bath, hot tub, or whirlpool for about 20 minutes or take a warm shower.
Dress warmly afterwards to prolong the benefit. A heating pad is another good way to warm up an area. You can also buy moist heat pads, or heat a damp washcloth in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Test it to make sure it’s not too hot, then wrap it in a dry towel and apply it to the painful area.
For cold therapy, use an ice pack and apply for 20 minutes at a time. Keep several gel-filled cold packs in the freezer. Frozen peas or ice cubes in a bag can also work.
Splints
Splinting can help with both OA and RA pain in the fingers. It has been shown to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Resting hand splints, in particular, have been identified as an option that offers significant pain relief for the elderly with OA of the thumb without any side effects.
Compression gloves may also assist in pain relief. In a systematic review, four trials were evaluated to determine the efficacy of wearing full-length finger compression gloves at night. The studies compared full-length finger compression gloves with placebo gloves that did not provide full-length compression. For patients with RA, swelling of the finger joints was significantly reduced with the use of the compression gloves. However, the study did not find a reduction in pain or stiffness, and produced inconclusive results regarding grip strength and dexterity.
Prescription Treatments
If the above remedies are insufficient to alleviate your pain, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you cope with your arthritis symptoms.
Medication
Corticosteroids, also referred to as steroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone are often prescribed to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. These medications can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the main prescription drugs for the treatment of RA. They work by blocking inflammation and thereby slowing disease progression. Methotrexate is a common DMARD used to treat RA. There are a few different types of DMARDs, and they all work differently:
Biologics: Produced using living cells and works on individual immune proteins called cytokines
DMARDs are used for chronic therapy, while corticosteroids are only used short-term for flares given their multiple associated side effects.
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid hormone that suppresses the immune system, which helps reduce inflammation and pain. Cortisone injections are used to relieve inflammation in both OA and RA. They are injected directly into an affected joint. These shots may work immediately or after a few days. The relief from these injections can last a few months to a year. It's important to remember that cortisone injections are used as part of a treatment plan.
Hand Therapy
A certified hand therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or a physical therapist who specializes in treating people with conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and other upper extremities. Examples of hand therapy are alphabet writing and grip strengthening. CHTs must have at least three years of experience, 4,000 hours of training, and recertify every five years by taking an exam.
The hand therapist effectively provides postoperative rehabilitation, non-operative or conservative intervention, preventive care, and industrial ergonomic consultation.
They can help people who have arthritis with:
Activity or exercise regimes custom designed to increase motion, dexterity, and strength, with the ultimate goal of improving function
Adaptive techniques and suggestions for adaptive/assistive devices and equipment
Joint protection and energy conservation training
Acute or chronic pain management
Surgery
As arthritis progresses, joints may become deformed. When medications and home remedies cannot provide adequate relief for the pain and discomfort of finger arthritis, your doctor may recommend surgical treatments.
Joint Fusion
The goal of a joint fusion, also called arthrodesis, is to fuse the joints together to facilitate bone growth. Finger joint fusion can help relieve the pain in the finger joints caused by arthritis. The surgeon makes a cut in the skin and removes the damaged joint from the finger. Then they insert a rod made of plastic or metal to hold the finger bones together. The ligament is wrapped around the new connection and sewn back up. Your hand may be put into a cast to keep it from moving while the finger heals. You may also get a sling to help your arm stay in place while the nerve block wears off.
Bone Spur Removal
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are small bony growths. If they cause significant discomfort in the fingers, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them. Your doctor will make one or more small cuts near the bone spur. Then they will use small tools to remove the piece of bone. Bone spur removal can help reduce pain.
Joint Replacement
The surface of the damaged joint in the finger is removed and replaced with an artificial implant during finger joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty. During this procedure, an artificial implant is placed in the bone's hollow centre. Joint replacement is not recommended for all patients.
One problem is that hinged finger implants don't fully replicate normal finger motion.16 Most are made from silicone rubber, which is flexible but breaks and slips easily. Some studies have found that some silicone implants fail within 10 years, making them a poor choice for younger patients.
A Word From Verywell
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Not all treatments listed above will be right for everyone with finger arthritis. Work with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal treatment plan to reduce the symptoms associated with your condition. Although it can be frustrating when treatments don't work or aren't effective immediately, there are many options for you to choose from. Chances are one of them will bring you relief.
You may not have a choice about needing a mobility aid, but how you feel about it is completely up to you
If someone had told me at 25 that I would be walking with a cane by age 30, I wouldn’t have believed them.
In my case, the cause wasn’t injury or accident, but psoriatic arthritis (PsA) — a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, and mobility limitations in 30 percent of people with psoriasis.
During the first arthritis flare-up that landed me in the hospital, I literally could not stand on my own feet. Over the next several years, as doctors prescribed one medication regimen after another, I faced a daunting new reality: I could no longer walk without assistance.
How could I find the right mobility device to suit my needs… and how could I get used to moving through the world with it?
Here are a few things I learned in my search to restore my mobility and maximize my quality of life with PsA.
Several weeks after the onset of PsA, I found I was still unable to walk, so I bought the cheapest manual wheelchair I could find. I chose a wheelchair partly because it was a familiar cultural icon, and I didn’t know much about my other options.
Once I delved more deeply into the world of mobility devices, I realized just how many options there are.
Broadly speaking, people with mobility issues have a choice between walking aids and seated mobility devices.
Walking aids include:
canes
crutches
cane-crutch hybrids
walkers
rollators (walkers on wheels)
Seated mobility devices include:
manual wheelchairs
power wheelchairs
scooters
Since physical activity has been shown to improve both PsA symptoms and overall health, most users will want to choose the device that allows them to be as active as possible while also staving off pain and fatigue.
My manual wheelchair served me well in the short term, before I was able to find the right combination of medications to manage my symptoms. However, I soon realized that I wanted to be more active — even if it meant dealing with more physical pain.
Over the course of the next several years, as biologic drugs began to suppress some of my disease activity, I transitioned to using a rollator, then forearm crutches, and then finally, a cane.
All this experimentation was expensive. I wish I had known that many device companies allow prospective users to rent or try out different mobility aids and determine which one best suits their needs.
I also wish I had consulted with a doctor, occupational therapist, or physical therapist to learn how to use these devices correctly, since improper usage cannot only decrease the helpfulness of your mobility aid, but may even have a negative impact on your posture or cause you greater discomfort.
When choosing your own mobility device(s), be open to multiple possibilities — and don’t be shy about asking for information on device usage from those in the know.
Even when I first got diagnosed with PsA, the last thing I wanted was to feel like a “sick person.”
I soon realized that I could keep my life as active and vibrant as possible by taking an open-minded, strategic approach to mobility aids.
It’s true that certain activities — like skiing, hiking, and climbing — are no longer feasible for me, but I’m lucky to be mobile enough that there are many things I can still do, if I have the right mobility aid on hand.
For instance, my arm crutches are ideal for nature walks, since they stabilize and support both sides of my body while leaving me flexible to manoeuvre.
When going to a museum or other accessible indoor attraction, I opt for a wheelchair, which lets me move through the space smoothly and view exhibits without pain or fatigue.
Now that my symptoms are mostly well-controlled, thanks to medication, I can often get by with a folding cane. It provides minimal support when I get tired, and it also serves as a signalling device to alert people that I may move slowly or need to sit down from time to time.
When choosing the mobility aid that’s right for you, think about what you want or need to get done on a particular day. Ask yourself what accessibility challenges you might encounter, and which device would help you face them with comfort and confidence.
Prior to my PsA diagnosis, I assumed that disability was a stable, fixed category — or, at least, a linear progression from wellness to illness.
One of the most surprising aspects of living with a chronic disease is how much my symptoms can fluctuate from one day or week to the next. Even in a single day, I often have periods in the morning and at night when my joints feel stiff and my range of motion is limited.
Once you know to expect these fluctuations, you become better able to plan your day — even if that means expecting a bit of unpredictability.
These emotional and logistical aspects of living with PsA require both flexibility and resilience.
It can be discouraging to lapse into an arthritis flare-up and find oneself back in a wheelchair after weeks of walking around with a less intensive mobility aid.
It can also be frustrating to find that certain devices may not work well for you at times when particular joints are giving you trouble. For instance, forearm crutches can be terrific for taking pressure off of weak knees or ankles, but they put a significant strain on a user’s shoulders and wrists.
As you pick a mobility aid, check in with yourself to figure out which body parts need extra support, and be prepared for the prospect that your mobility needs might shift depending on factors like the time of day or the weather.
The changeable nature of PsA symptoms can be hard for nondisabled onlookers to understand.
I have had friends ask me excitedly if I was cured when they saw me using a cane on a good day, instead of my usual rollator.
Conversely, I’ve encountered nosiness and scepticism from colleagues who had only met me at a meeting, seated, and later ran into me on the street and demanded, “What’s with the cane?”
Try not to get thrown off by these moments, and try not to feel like you’re “pretending” or being dramatic by making use of a mobility aid. Only you are inside your body — only you know what you need.
For me, the adjustment to this new world of mobility aids was emotionally fraught, since it meant reconciling myself to the fact of my disability. After all, those of us with PsA don’t use our mobility aids in the way someone with a broken leg might use crutches.
We know that our symptoms are treatable with medication, but that PsA can’t be cured. As a result, we may feel the need to integrate mobility devices into our sense of identity.
This can be difficult, especially if one doesn’t use the same device every day. No matter what, it takes time to get used to how it feels to use a mobility aid.
Accepting that these tools are extensions of your body — tools that accompany you through the world and help you live the life you want — takes even longer.
Be patient with others, and with yourself, as you figure out which equipment works best for you.
You may not have a choice about how large a role mobility aids play in your daily routine, but how you feel about them is completely up to you.
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